How To Get Started With Online Poker

Right from the offset of the pandemic, it became very clear that the danger of Covid was not limited solely to our physical health ¬– and that there was a very real danger of declining mental health.

The pains of social isolation led to many people looking for ways to not just entertain themselves, but also to build a social connection and look after their basic needs.

The social benefits of gaming
While a few seasons on Netflix can burn through some time, it doesn't satisfy our most basic needs for socialization. There is growing evidence, however, that gaming can foster genuine psychological benefits and feelings of community among participants.

One popular form of gaming that has grown in popularity in the past two years is online poker. With many casinos and bookmakers forced to close their doors, online poker rooms have reported record levels of usage during the pandemic. With 24-hour games, the ability to play in any location, and the opportunity to play with friends, it's easy to understand why this might be.

Starting out
The online poker world is booming, and there is a range of different options when it comes to choosing your online casino. It's important to make use of the internet and research your options before you begin. Read what other players have to say, check how deposits and withdrawals work, and find a platform that offers a good variety of games.

There are several different variations on the core game of poker but they share many similarities. The main objective is to use the cards you've been dealt to put together the strongest five-card hand you can – or bluff your way into convincing fellow players your hand is stronger than it really is to get them to fold early.

It pays to spend some time brushing up on the rules and even those who know how to play already may find it helpful to have a brief refresher before they begin. A brief study of beginner poker tips will help you to feel confident that you understand rules and basic strategies.

Join a table
Poker is a social game and is best enjoyed with your buddies. By taking advantage of video conferencing software like Zoom or Microsoft Teams in the background, you can link up with friends anywhere across the world to test your luck and trash talk.

Raising the stakes
While poker makes for a more interesting game when the stakes are raised, you don't need to have access to huge amounts of money to participate. Many games are low stakes, and many platforms offer the opportunity to play with ‘fake' money. This is great if you're just starting out and need to learn the ropes before you begin. It also means you're less likely to get frustrated if you don't start winning straight away.

Make your own luck
While there is a great deal of luck involved in poker, this doesn't mean that you can't improve the odds in your favor. Studying the more advanced techniques involved such as calculating hands, reading and analyzing the habits of your peers, and brushing up on poker theory are all great ways to get ahead.

With the ease of access, variety of games, and the chance to play with friends – no matter the distance – it seems likely that the online poker boom will continue long after traditional casinos have all opened their doors.